The name Challock is of Saxon origin and means 'enclosure of calves', calves being large standing stones some of which were used for the foundations of the church. A considerable village was situated round the church in the Middle Ages. The village is now situated at the top of the hill. Many of the wells that served the old village round the church can still be traced. The ancient church of St. Cosmas and St. Damian was built in the 13th century on the site of an earlier church. The church boasts one of only two remaining candle beams in the country. Challock Lees is common land and was granted a charter by William I to be used as a racecourse. The manor of Challock was given by William the Conqueror to Battle Abbey and remained in its possession until Henry VIII destroyed the Abbey.
Loading contexts...